Postural Control of a Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand

Biomechatronics Development Laboratory | University of Colorado at Boulder

Inventor and Chief Scientist

For my doctoral dissertation, I developed a novel myoelectric control algorithm that allows for continuous control of the hand posture including all necessary postures used in activities of daily living. This controller compared favorably to the available commercial controllers as well as state-of-the-art research algorithms.

Patents

J. L. Segil, R. F. Weir, (2013): Systems and Methods for Postural Control Of A Multi-Function Prosthesis. United States Provisional Patent 61830504 06-03-2013

Multi-Modal Fingertip Sensor

We present a novel multi-modal tactile sensor which consists of an infrared proximity sensor and a barometric pressure sensor embedded in an elastomer layer with potential use in prosthetic devices. Signals from both sensors are fused to measure proximity (0-10mm), contact (0N), force (0-50N) and localize impact at five spatial locations and three angles of incidence.

Artificial Muscles using HASEL Actuators

Current designs of prosthetic limbs are limited by the nearly exclusive use of DC motor technology. The use of soft actuators promises new design freedom to create prosthetic limbs which more closely mimic intact neuromuscular systems. This work evaluates the performance of a first-generation hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) soft actuator for use in a prosthetic hand.

Dexterous Control of a Prosthetic Hand Using Fine-wire Intramuscular Electrodes

Biomechatronics Development Laboratory | University of Colorado

Chief Scientist

This work enabled simultaneous direct control of four degrees of freedom of a myoelectric prosthetic hand for the first time. With my collaborators from the BioRobotics Institute at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, I devised the control system and performed the empirical research and analysis.

Sensory Feedback Schemes

Discrete Event Sensory Feedback During Teleoperation of a Prosthetic Hand

Biomechatronics Development Laboratory | University of Colorado

Chief Scientist

Artificial sensory feedback schemes can provide users of prosthetic hands with the sense of touch. Here I implemented a novel sensory feedback scheme using vibrotactile stimulation during teleoperation of a prosthetic hand with our collaborators from the BioRobotics Institute at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy.

University of New Brunswick Multi-function Prosthetic Hand

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Chief Mechanical Engineer

The UNB Multi-function Prosthetic Hand produced a commercially viable prosthesis with novel mechanical design mechanisms. I designed and prototyped the mechanical drive systems including a coupled differential transmission and a cam-based linkage system.

DARPA Revolutionizing Prosthetics Project

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Mechanical Designer | 2-Motor Finger team

The objective of the DARPA Revolutionizing Prosthetics Project was to engineer the most advanced prosthetic arm including the recreation of the speed, strength, size, and mobility of the human arm. I joined the 2-Motor Finger team to design mechanically compliant elements and manage CAD files of the various designs.